Alternatives to Lily
- Livvy
Origin:
English diminutive of Olivia, LatinMeaning:
"olive tree"Description:
Stylish, sweet, and bubbly, Livvy is a familiar short form of the popular Olivia, though it could easily work as a nickname to Olive, Lavinia, or Liv as well. In recent years, however, Livvy has been gaining attention as a standalone option, with 110 baby girls called "just" Livvy in the US in the latest stats.
- Lillemor
Origin:
ScandinaviaMeaning:
"little mother"Description:
Lillemor is a relatively recent coinage in Scandinavia, where it was most popular in the 1930s and '40s, especially in Sweden. As such, it is considered rather dated in Scandinavia, but it would certainly make a fresh choice for lovers of "Lily" names abroad — although the "Lil" in this case actually comes from lille "little".
- Zuzu
Origin:
Czech diminutive of SusanMeaning:
"lily"Description:
This sizzling nickname Zuzu is heard every Christmas as the name of Jimmy Stewart's little girl in "It's a Wonderful Life," but we love it all year round as a lively alternative to double names like Gigi and Bibi.
- Lillia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lilies"Description:
More than Lily yet less than Lillian, Lillia is a fresh and undeniably pretty member of the stylish genus of double (or in this case triple) l names. You can also spell it Lilia.
- Lilla
Origin:
Hungarian diminutive of Lívia and Lídia, Hindi variant of Lila, Italian, Swedish, and Danish word nameMeaning:
"to envy; from Lydia; lilac; little; purple"Description:
This sweet and underused name is a multicultural choice with a surprising number of meanings. It is used as a diminutive of Lívia and Lídia in Hungary (meaning "envy" and "from Lydia" respectively), as a variation of the Arabic Lila in Hindi (meaning "night"), and as a variant of Lillian, Lillia, and Lily in English, associating it with the flower.
- Lilouenn
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"white lily"Description:
An elaboration of cute French nickname name Lilou, or the Breton form of Lilwen. An unusual and appealing Lily name.
- Milly
Origin:
Variation of Millie, English diminutive of Mildred or MillicentMeaning:
"gentle strength; strong in work"Description:
Milly and her more popular sister Millie are adorable Old Lady nickname-names springing back to life. Nearly 100 baby girls were named Milly, just Milly, last year, and Millie is in the US Top 500. Milly is the Molly of the new generation.
- Lolly
Description:
Lolly is a playful, cheerful feminine name that can function as both a nickname and a standalone name. It likely originated as a diminutive for names like Dolores, Charlotte, or Laura, but has gained independent usage. The name evokes sweetness and joy, partly due to its association with lollipops and candy. Lolly has a light-hearted, youthful quality that exudes friendliness and approachability. While not commonly found on popular name lists, it experienced modest usage in the mid-20th century and has seen occasional revival among parents seeking vintage-inspired names with a whimsical quality. The name's brevity and repeating 'l' sound give it a rhythmic, memorable quality that works well across all ages despite its initial childlike associations.
- Lilo
Origin:
German, diminutive of Liselotte; HawaiianMeaning:
"generous one"Description:
Lilo is the name of the spunky little Hawaiian girl character in the Disney movie Lilo & Stitch-- and is also Lindsay Lohan's nickname. Multi-cultural, it can be found in Hawaiian, German and Hebrew nomenclature.
- Lilium
Origin:
Flower name, LatinMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Lilium is the genus of the lily family and may make an interesting spin on Lillian, for those looking for something distinctive but familiar, wearable but with a touch of unexpected flair. Since the 2000s, a small handful of girls have been given this name in the US.
- Lilja
Origin:
Icelandic, Faroese, and Finnish variation of Lily; "lily"Meaning:
"lily"Description:
Cute and quirky Lily alternative.
- Lilika
Description:
Lilika is a charming feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It may be considered a diminutive form of names like Lily or Liliana, or it could be related to the Greek name Lilitka. In Fijian culture, Lilika relates to liliwa, a white flower. The name has a delicate, melodic quality with its repeating 'li' syllables. Lilika blends the popularity of flower-inspired names with a unique international flair, making it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet feminine and approachable. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, the name has an intuitive pronunciation and spelling that makes it accessible. Lilika carries the gentle associations of the lily flower while its multicultural connections give it additional depth and character.
- Quill
Origin:
Irish, diminutive of Quillan or Quiller; also English word nameMeaning:
"lion, scribe, writer with a quill pen"Description:
Novel choice for the child of authors. Quill could be used to honor someone with a rhyming name, such as Jill, Bill, Phil, or Gil.
- Lilwen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white lily"Description:
An unusual member of the "Lily" family of names, this one gives you the option for sweet vintage nickname Winnie, too. It's very unusual even in its native country, never given to more than 3 babies per year since naming records began in 1996.
- Lil
Origin:
Diminutive of Lillian and Lily, flower nameMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Spunky old vaudeville era nickname name suddenly sounds new again.
- Leelee
Origin:
Short form of LilianeMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Actress Leelee Sobieski's real name is Liliane, after her French grandmother -- a better choice for any baby-namer.
- Lilis
Description:
Lilis is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be connected to Lilith from Hebrew mythology or function as a variation of the flower name Lily. In Indonesian and Malay traditions, Lilis can relate to words meaning "soft" or "gentle." The name carries a delicate, feminine quality with its soft sounds and floral associations. Though rare in Western countries, it has seen some usage in Southeast Asian nations. The brevity and melodic quality of Lilis make it accessible yet distinctive. The name might appeal to parents seeking something uncommon with cross-cultural appeal and a naturally sweet, gentle impression.
- Ily
Origin:
Modern EnglishMeaning:
"I love you"Description:
This sweet little acronym, popularized in the age of texting, has established itself as a baby name. The similarity to Ivy, Isla and Riley/Miley has undoubtedly played a role.
- Lilienne
Origin:
Variation of LillianMeaning:
"lily"Description:
If Vivian became Vivienne, why can't Lillian become Lilienne? This pretty name has that chic French ending, and is a fresh way to popular Lily.
